{"product_id":"metaphysics-and-the-modern-world-clear-guided-study-of-classic","title":"Metaphysics and the Modern World - Clear Guided Study of Classic","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review, Metaphysics and the Modern World is presented as a thoughtful, readable guide for readers who want to connect classical metaphysical questions to modern intellectual life. Donald Phillip Verene frames the issues of self, world, and God in historical and systematic perspective, making this book most valuable for students, scholars, or thoughtful general readers seeking a compact, interpretive tour through Aristotle, Christian metaphysics, Renaissance cosmology, Vico, and Hegel. The single biggest reason to buy is Verene's steady effort to render complex arguments intelligible without sacrificing philosophical rigor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical breadth:\u003c\/strong\u003e Walks through the origins of metaphysics from ancient Greek mythology to Renaissance and modern thinkers, helping readers see development across eras.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSystematic clarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Presents metaphysical questions both historically and systematically so readers grasp the structure of arguments as well as their context.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFocused chapters:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book devotes early chapters to Aristotle, the ontological argument, and Renaissance cosmology, which aids targeted study of each topic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModern-philosophy bridge:\u003c\/strong\u003e Later chapters on Vico and Hegel make the case for a metaphysics of history and the principle of true infinity, connecting classical themes to modern concerns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccessible prose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Verene writes for a modern reader, keeping complex dialectics and historical detail approachable for non-specialists with patience for philosophy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work is best for upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, or independent readers who want a compact guide that situates metaphysical questions historically while preserving philosophical rigor. It works well as a supplemental text in courses covering Aristotle, metaphysics of religion, Renaissance cosmology, or modern German thought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders looking for an elementary introduction with minimal technical argumentation or a narrowly focused monograph on a single thinker should look elsewhere; the book assumes some interest in historical development and tolerates dense passages about Vico and Hegel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWide historical sweep that clarifies how metaphysical questions evolve from myth through modern philosophy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalances historical narrative with systematic analysis, making complex ideas more intelligible.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelpful chapter structure that isolates major topics like the ontological argument and Renaissance cosmology for concentrated study.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot a light read; some chapters assume familiarity with philosophical terminology and may challenge casual readers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMetaphysics and the Modern World\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor \/ Position\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDonald Phillip Verene, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Metaphysics and Moral Philosophy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScope\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHistorical and systematic treatment from Aristotle to Hegel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMajor topics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin of metaphysics, ontological argument, Renaissance cosmology, metaphysics of history\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChapters highlighted\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAristotle, Christian metaphysics, Renaissance cosmology, Vico, Hegel's Logic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAudience\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStudents, scholars, thoughtful general readers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMetaphysics and the Modern World is a compact, intelligent guide for readers who want to follow the continuity of metaphysical problems from ancient to modern thought. Its value lies in connecting historical detail with systematic insight, making it a worthwhile purchase for students and serious readers who appreciate careful interpretation rather than a crash-course primer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this book cover Aristotle directly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes; the first chapters begin with Aristotle's Metaphysics and the claim that philosophy begins in wonder, serving as a foundation for later discussions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the book suitable for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is accessible but assumes interest in philosophical history; beginners with patience can benefit, though some prior familiarity helps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich modern thinkers are discussed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe final chapters focus on Vico and Hegel, addressing metaphysics of history and the principle of true infinity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Charles Howard Candler Professor of Metaphysics and Moral Philosophy Donald Phillip Verene","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48678176162011,"sku":"1498238033","price":36.86,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61YL83ISgpL._SL1500.jpg?v=1778700177","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/metaphysics-and-the-modern-world-clear-guided-study-of-classic","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}